Design

Ever mixed and poured 5 pallets of concrete? Well it wasn’t on my bucket list but I have to say, I would do it again in a heart beat.

I was asked to participate on a large concrete pour this past Tuesday and jumped at the opportunity. Showing up and seeing the rebar forms open and ready for the wood molds struck me. Awe and a giddy temperament started to wash over me as I realized the full scale of this project. Several hours of mixing later we had the first form poured and molded up. Can’t wait to see the final form that this piece will take, stay tuned for updates.

‘Bird’ has a new home: the Lincoln Park Zoo. And I couldn’t be more exhilarated.

The paint came out and the delivery went well but this is only the beginning. Looking at the exhibition map I was reminded of what an honor it is that ‘Bird’ is featured prominently on the graphic design for this exhibit. I have personal tour coming up on 6/10/15 and the opening on 6/18/15. Come join me.

The Chicago Botanical Gardens this weekend has given me much to appreciate. A bonsai exhibit was on display with selections from their permanent collection. The exhibit organized and set up in an easy to navigate open air gallery. The concept of nurturing and caring after something that is detail-oriented and skillful is truly a feat and sight to behold. I feel a new invigoration in my work, life and art. I have attempted to take a few images for you of the stillness and presence in these microcosms of life. But they should be seen in person.

P.S. The pairing aspect of the Bonsai display has become a kernel of reflection for me. Subtle yet speaking volumes through simple placement.

It’s almost time for paint, and I have to get it right the first time.

Really, I have to stop putting myself in these situations, but when the project demands it, I can’t seem to let the small details go. With the phrase, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good”, ringing in my ears I will pick up the paint gun tomorrow and make this happen.

Getting here though has been no small feat. After grabbing the piece from Wisconsin and then redesigning the pedestal, fabrication the right way has taken longer that expected. Making sure the hardware was hidden is the most important aspect of my design in this addition. The results of my efforts have brought a great seamless lift to this form and no distraction from the art itself.

Now with days left I have found an industrial paint that I know will stand the test of time and keep the vibrant color that I want for this piece. Wish me luck.

“Brando’s Speakeasy” has commissioned me to make a new set of outdoor stools for their renovated patio. Chomping at the bit for experience and an opportunity to wet my feet with a creative, but practical application of my talent, I accepted.

The hours have been long and through each set of obstacles set in my path I prevailed, but alas I forgot to take pictures of the finished product. I guess you will just have to go down there and check them out for yourself.

It’s April and I have had the pleasure of working on Barbara Cooper’s sculpture “Circuit” in the shop for the past week. Its sweeping lines and marriages of stainless steel and wood has truly inspired me and keeps me in awe of Barbara’s work.

Yet again I am in the thick of what I love to do, making art. The rigging of this piece is something to behold, and working on a problem without the use of a secured surface is something that has changed my perspective when working.

Well, serendipitously the ice caves have opened. Just as I was in WI grabbing “Bird” for my Lincoln Park Zoo exhibition. There couldn’t have been a better timing on part of mother nature, as I desperately wanted to see them last year but just didn’t get the opportunity.

I really want to talk the ice caves up and say a myriad of praises in their honor, but honestly, the images speak for themselves. Enjoy.

Putting these pedestals together has been quite a challenge so far but through my determination and fortitude I am persevering. With the elegant lines created by using 1/2″ x 1/2″ barstock, care has to be taken to making sure the welds penetrate and the seams still remain clean. Great work for my OCD temperament, but also a great opportunity to temper that desire and make speedy production a reality.

I couldn’t be happier, learning and making something clean and strong. This is only the beginning.

These models are in production and form a set of twelve pieces, with each form being repeated three times. The inspiration for these pieces is from a primal redefining of the elements, fire, water, wind, and earth.

Using my unique style I made forms that evoked the weight and movement of the element that they were defining. The interior curve of each piece will be colored a corresponding color to define that element, also this color field will be striking as the form wraps around itself making the static lines seem alive.

I have decided to keep all process related materials in the blog, thus I have removed the process shots and information for the “Tree” and “Elements” from the main page.

I am moving the content here for “Tree / Process”, so that anyone who wants to see it can. Enjoy.

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Tree / Process

Tape and cardboard, 10′ x 5′ x 4′

A model for a project that I will be making in the future, this piece is based on the movement of a tree while keeping with my love of sharp lines and curves defining not only itself but also the world around it. I am envisioning this piece made with stainless steel, and only the inside curve facing the viewer made of crude steel to show a contrast between the rust and shine in the different steels.